Preventive Dentistry in Jonesboro, AR

Routine Oral Examinations

Regular dental evaluations are crucial to long-lasting oral health. During these visits, your doctor assesses the health of the teeth, gums, temporomandibular joints, and surrounding orofacial structures to ensure no decay, disease, or infection is present. If problems exist, it is important to detect and treat them as early as possible to prevent more serious issues from developing. Most individuals can maintain optimal oral health with six-month evaluations. However, if you’re prone to certain conditions, we may want to see you more frequently.

Dental Cleanings

Typically, dental cleanings are performed at the same time as your routine examinations. Your hygienist removes plaque, tartar, debris, and bacteria from the teeth surfaces using special dental instruments and ultrasonic scalers. Next, he or she polishes the teeth with gritty paste and a rubber cup. This removes stains and harmful biofilm. Finally, dental floss is used to clean between the teeth in hard-to-reach areas. Like oral examinations, cleanings should be performed at least once every six months. However, those who are genetically predisposed to gum disease or decay may require more frequent appointments.

Dental Sealants

By nature, molar teeth have deep pits and grooves in the chewing surfaces. While this is helpful for digestion, these areas also harbor debris and bacteria; they are also much more difficult to clean. To prevent cavities from forming in these areas, we can place dental sealants. Think of dental sealants as raincoats for your teeth. By painting a thin, clear layer of protection on your teeth, we can protect them from food particles, plaque, and bacteria.

Contrary to popular belief, sealants aren’t just for kids. Adults can benefit from them too, especially if they are prone to cavities. Keep in mind, however, that dental sealants are not a substitute for proper oral hygiene. They are intended to be a supplement to appropriate brushing and flossing.

Fluoride Treatments

Bacteria breed off of the plaque and tartar that accumulate on the teeth. If these irritants are not routinely removed, the bacteria begin to erode the enamel – the outermost protective layer of the teeth. This demineralization process makes the teeth far more susceptible to cavities and sensitivity. Topical fluoride treatments actively remineralize the enamel, making teeth more resilient against damage. Depending on the particular needs of the patient, fluoride can be administered in gel, foam, or varnish. These treatments can be given during routine dental cleanings to help prevent cavity formation.